Vacations for Seniors Looking to Escape the Cold

Vacations for Seniors Looking to Escape the Cold

Once the wonder of the holiday season passes, the novelty of snow and frosty weather quickly loses its charm. Seniors in particular grow tired of having to bundle up in copious layers before leaving the house, having to scrape ice off their cars, and shoveling the sidewalk. These are quite physical tasks for seniors and can be easily exhausting.

If you’ve settled into a routine post-holiday season and are sick of the weather, try these vacations for seniors looking to escape the cold. Flight prices from mid-January into the beginning of March are much lower than they were during the holiday season and haven’t been impacted by spring-break pricing yet. These are the coldest months in Chicago, so it’s the best time to go!

Vacations for Seniors Looking to Escape the Cold

Travel within the United States

Phoenix, Arizona

As the capital of Arizona, it goes without saying that Phoenix is a fantastic spot for restaurants and fine art performances. But did you know Phoenix has an annual average of 300 days of sunshine? There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the bright, warm weather by hitting the many golf courses, gardens, or hiking locations.

If you’re willing to make the drive, Sedona, Arizona is a beautiful spot for nature lovers. Less than two hours from Phoenix, Sedona is home to gorgeous rock formations and quaint city life.

Key West, Florida

Home to sandy beaches, unique history, and beautiful resorts, Key West has something for every kind of vacationer. If you are the type who enjoys water activities such as sailing or kayaking, there are plenty of expeditions to try. If you’d like to learn how the island came to be, visit one of the history museums. The Hemingway House is perfect for literature lovers.

You can fly into Key West for a decent price, but if you wanted to plan a slightly longer trip, you could consider flying into Miami to explore more of South Florida.

Savannah, Georgia

While Savannah has something for everyone, history buffs in particular will fall in love with the city’s charm. It was one of the first parts of the country settled by the English, and it has seen its share of battles, historical events, and was even a key stop on the Underground Railroad. Between history, ghost, and architecture tours, you’ll never be bored.

Surrounded by plenty of gorgeous nature and delicious spots to eat, there is something to see and do for all. And despite much of Georgia getting quite cold in the winter, Savannah stays temperate at an average high in the sixties during the early months of the year.

These vacations are perfect for seniors looking to escape the cold

New Orleans, Louisiana

While New Orleans may be known as a party city to many, a bulk of that partying takes place on Bourbon Street. There is so much more of the city to see, like history museums, art galleries, and the Garden District. Experience a setting unlike any other location in the United States in the French Quarter. Between beautiful shops, delicious restaurants, and street music, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into another world.

However, if you’re considering New Orleans and don’t want to worry about crowds, remember that Mardi Gras starts on February 21. You’ll want to travel a few weeks before then, or a few weeks after, to avoid peak prices.

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico might seem like another world, but since it is a U.S. territory you don’t even need a passport to enter! The island has everything a nature-lover might be looking for, from white sand beaches and ocean views to hiking and horseback riding through the mountains. You could spend your vacation exploring the deep history of Old San Juan or simply enjoying the resort life.

If you don’t speak Spanish, don’t worry. As a U.S. territory, a large majority of the Puerto Rican population speaks English.

International vacations for seniors looking to escape the cold

If you want to have a more elaborate vacation and you have a passport, consider vacationing internationally. Be mindful of the fact that you may want to spend a little more time planning an international trip, however.

Nassau, Bahamas

Nassau is perfect for those who want to spend their vacation in the lap of luxury. Over the past few decades, this portion of the Bahamas has grown to be synonymous with gorgeous resorts, spas, golfing, and luxury shopping. It’s the perfect place for someone who wants to be pampered.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you could spend a day enjoying deep-water fishing and snorkeling. You’re certain to see a vibrant array of sea life unlike anything else!

Cancun, Mexico

This tropical paradise is more than a vacation spot for spring breakers. Similar to Nassau, Cancun is home to a wide variety of resorts where you can sit back and relax. Make sure you do proper research to find a resort that fits your health and accessibility needs.

Many resorts can help you book and plan day trips to nearby areas, like Tulum for its beaches and Mayan Temple, or take a boat ride to the gorgeous Isla Mujeres.

Go international for an especially fun vacation

South Africa

For a completely different type of vacation, hop on a plane to South Africa. Located in the Southern Hemisphere, this country is actually experiencing its summer months while Chicago is in the dead of winter.

Cape Town offers a variety of expeditions for seniors. See exotic wildlife with your own eyes by hopping on a safari tour. These are ideal for seniors, as they are mostly led by an all-terrain vehicle. If you aren’t looking for a wild experience, try the South African National Museum and Planetarium, the Apartheid Museum, or one of the other cultural experiences.

For a snowy getaway

Not everyone dislikes all that winter has to offer, however. If you enjoy snowy scenery and winter sports, you and your loved one might enjoy a trip to an even snowier location than Chicago.

Stowe, Vermont

New England is known for its many quaint villages, and Stowe, Vermont is one of them. With all the fun of Aspen without the crowds, Stowe is a great place for those who want to hit the slopes. If the more active snowy activities aren’t your speed, there is still plenty you can do. Try dogsledding, ice-fishing, or riding in a horse-drawn carriage through the winter wonderland.

Alaska

While it may seem like it’s on the other side of the world, an Alaska trip saves you the trouble of going through customs. From glaciers to the northern lights to whale sightings, Alaska is home to plenty of once-in-a-lifetime sights.

Seeing all of Alaska isn’t exactly simple. At two and a half times the size of Texas, the best way to make the most of your trip might be via an Alaskan cruise or train tour. This way, you don’t have to worry about transportation or lodging.

Once you return home, make sure you have help

After spending time in resorts, you may realize just how difficult cooking and cleaning are as you age. Thankfully, this isn’t something you have to shoulder on your own. An at-home caregiver can assist with any activities of daily living necessary, including light housekeeping, meal preparation, errands, personal care, and medication reminders.

At Home Care Powered by AUAF, each client receives a care plan personalized to their specific needs. This way, they receive care that best suits their lifestyle and experience a higher quality of life.

For more information on our home caregiving services, call us at 773-274-9262.

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